Everything you need to know about Anthurium lighting requirements at home
Anthurium is an extremely popular houseplant that, if properly cared for, can continue to produce spectacular blooms for most of the year. The health and ability of an anthurium to produce flowers depends on several conditions, one of the most important being the light conditions.
How much light do anthurium plants need?
Anthurium works best in bright, indirect light. Too much light and the plant becomes scorched and dehydrated. Too little light and an Anthurium will struggle to produce flowers and have thin, dull leaves. The right amount of indirect light ensures a healthy plant all year round.
Like all plants, Anthurium grows best in conditions that are closely similar to their natural conditions in the rainforests, where they are predominantly found. It is therefore important that you mimic these light conditions as far as possible in your home to ensure that a plant blooms continuously, season after season.
The best lighting is strong, indirect light when growing an anthurium indoors. The plant should not receive large amounts of direct sunlight throughout the day, so an east-facing window would be ideal. Placing an Anthurium in a south facing room six feet from a window will ensure sufficient indirect light without direct sunlight.
The role of light in plant growth
Light is one of the essential components of the health of almost every plant on the planet. Light allows plants to photosynthesize, allowing them to produce the nutrients they need to survive.
Some plants need more light than others, and some rely on other means to ensure that they retain enough nutrients. Nevertheless, light gives plants the ability to create energy and therefore allows them to grow larger, stay healthy and produce additional leaves and flowers.
Without light, plants would not photosynthesize, which means they would not survive.
Light terminology is explained:
When it comes to plants, there are different light requirements, and therefore there is a set of terminology to distinguish between the other light conditions.
As the name suggests, Bright direct light means the highest level of sun exposure. These plants thrive on sunlight, and the more direct sunlight the plant receives, the better.
Strong indirect light means that the plant enjoys large amounts of light but should not be constantly exposed to direct sunlight, which will damage the plant.
Mixed light generally refers to a combination of sunlight and artificial light to help the plant grow.
Filtered light means that the light consists of a softer light, which usually passes through sheer curtains or frosted glass before it reaches the plant.
Dim light simply means an area with very little light, generally away from any window or north facing position in your home or garden.
Anthurium light conditions in their natural habitat
In their natural habitat, Anthurium plants grow best in warm and humid environments in the shade of the thick jungle roofs found in the equatorial rainforests.
The light that the plant receives here is generally filtered down through the leaves of the trees above, or it is reflected from the trunks of the trees before it reaches Anthurium below.
Although this may seem like a dim light, it is important to remember that outdoor lighting conditions are significantly different from indoor lighting conditions. Even the brightest room in your house is not equal to direct sun in nature.
Therefore, Anthurium living in the shade of the large trees in the rainforest will still receive more than sufficient amounts of sunlight as this shines through the protective layers above.
Signs that your Anthurium is getting too much light
If an anthurium gets too much light, it will be easy to notice. The leaves begin to fade to a pale yellow hue and develop white and brown spots. These patches consist of dead tissue that has arisen due to dehydration.
Too much sun causes the plant to release more water via transpiration, but this water will soon run out, resulting in the above mentioned effects. The flowers will also fade due to too much sun exposure.
Signs that your Anthurium is not getting enough light
An anthurium that does not get enough light usually lacks healthy growers. The blooms that will come will generally be pale green in color, while the leaves will be thin and dull. It may also be that your Anthurium plant is in need of transplanting.
The best light exposure for anthurium grown indoors
To achieve the best bright, indirect light for your Anthurium, there are two placement options. Place the plant either in an east-facing window to get enough light in the morning without being exposed to too much direct sunlight.
The better option would be for Anthurium to be placed in a room facing south at a distance of four to six feet from the south-facing windows. This will ensure that the plant receives a sufficient amount of strong, indirect light while being protected from the rays of the harsh direct sun.
It can be a good idea to move the plant a little closer to the window during the winter months to ensure that it still gets enough light when the sun is at its weakest.
As plants tend to grow towards the light, rotating them at regular intervals will ensure the healthiest growth of the entire plant throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anthurium Light Requirements:
Can anthurium plants live in low light?
Anthurium plants can live in low light, but they will grow very slowly and are unlikely to produce flowers.
Can Anthurium plants take full sun?
Anthurium plants exposed to full sun will become dehydrated and scorched.
What type of light do anthurium plants need?
Anthurium plants grow best in places that receive strong, indirect light for most of the day.
Will anthurium plants live happily indoors?
Anthurium plants will live happily indoors, provided they receive enough light, water, soil and nutrients.
How do you know if your Anthurium is getting enough light?
If your Anthurium gets enough light, it will produce healthy leaves as well as colorful flowers.
Ends
By exposing your Anthurium to the right amount of strong, indirect sunlight, you can be sure that the plant stays healthy and produces bright, magnificent flowers throughout its life.
If you are looking for your next Anthurium plant, see our in-depth guide to the best plant stores that supply Anthurium plants across the country.
